Is it cheaper to buy a phone online or in store at AT&T?
This is particularly true because many consumers question whether they should visit the AT&T store or purchase the new smartphone from an online retailer. Dealing with this subject generates debates as both sides appear reasonable. Still, I think everything boils down to personal choices and situations. To help you decide which phone is best for you, this article will outline the pros and drawbacks of purchasing phones online from AT&T as well as the advantages of purchasing phones from actual locations.
Pricing and Deals
It is, therefore, common for one to find that buying online offers a better solution when it comes to raw prices. Many times, I have realized that the website of AT&T Internet offers cheaper prices and offers more attractive deals than actual stores. For instance, you may come across a phone model that costs between $50 and $100 cheaper than the cost you are charged when you shop online. This is the case because online retailers are not inhibited by overhead costs and are thus in a position to offer better prices. Also, there is the chance that from time to time, the AT&T website will have web-only coupon codes and other promotions that are unavailable in the physical stores. Therefore, if getting the absolute lowest price is the one thing that makes the most sense to you, then it is normally best to purchase products from online stores.
Admittedly, I know that in some cases, the real physical AT&T stores do price match the online prices if you insist. And if you have a problem with your online order, returning or exchanging the phone could be even worse than if you have bought the phone at the store. Therefore, for convenience, some consumers might consider purchasing the products within physical stores even though there is an added cost of purchasing.
Trying Before You Buy
Another advantage of purchasing a smartphone from an actual AT&T store over the net is that you can have a feel of the phones or rather handsets. As everyone is aware, having a firsthand feel of the devices for a while allows one to gauge some of the features such as the size of the screen, usability, camera, and last but not least, the design of the gadgets. This can assist you in choosing a phone that you will have no regrets about using for the next few years rather than getting one and realizing that you do not like it and has to be returned.
Of course, going hands-on does mean getting to the nearest retail store during business hours with AT&T. However, to some consumers, using the actual gadgets is what makes the endeavors worthy of their time and energy. In this case, it will help to know that you’re very particular about the design and features of phones and that you should look at the actual devices.
Activation and Setup
Getting new smartphone lines and activating and setting them up using a new line is easier and quicker when one buys the handsets at its physical stores. Store reps can help you transition the old number to the new one, make a voicemail, and check whether the activation is going well before you leave the shop with the new phone. All of this can be even more challenging if one has to do it without assistance, though it can be complicated for less technologically inclined folk.
With that said, there are instructions provided that outline the process of activating the phone on your own once you receive it with an online order. Consequently, if you are moderately savvy in technology and confident about conducting the first purchase yourself, there is no problem with buying a telephone online. It’s just that you need to realize that you will have to arrange for the transfers of numbers and their configuration by yourself.
Accessories and Add-Ons
Purchasing of the new phone from the AT&T retail store means that the customer gets an easy and quick way to access the one-stop shopping for the accessories and other extras. It is a great advantage that associates can suggest some essential accessories such as cases, tempered glass, wall chargers, and Bluetooth headphones designed for your exact model. They often keep these items in their stores such that one can purchase them on the same day. Purchasing a phone on its own through the Internet results in additional attempts to obtain accessories at a later time.
However, it is worth mentioning that a large choice of phone accessories is also available on AT&T’s website, as well as online shops. Moreover, purchasing add-ons that come with your smartphone through an online retailer may cost less than if you were to buy them individually from the store. Thus, the purchase location is merely a question of whether one is interested in accessory convenience more than low prices.
Summary
Scenario: Deciding when to buy the upcoming phone upgrade from AT&T online or in-store: Price difference consideration, need to physically handle the devices, convenience of activation, and accessory purchasing. Generally, buying online is cheaper than buying from stores; nonetheless, stores offer the opportunity to ‘test’ the products, and setting up is easier. However, depending on the specific needs of an individual, the price they are willing to pay and proximity to the required service might define which channel is the most suitable in a given scenario. There are many options for where to get your next AT&T smartphone, but be sure to consider the benefits and drawbacks of each available choice.
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